Victoria Roberts - [Bad Boys of the Highlands 03] Read Online Free Page B

had the chance to complete the task.
    Pulling himself to his feet, Alex lifted his tankard. Silence enveloped the room and all eyes were upon him. He chose his words carefully. “Let us nae speak of the past, but look toward the future with hope and promise.” An unwelcome tension stretched even tighter among the clans and blank stares continued to gaze back at him. They did not look convinced—at all. Not a smile was to be had, unless he counted Aunt Iseabail. He needed to do something fast.
    When he glanced down at his betrothed, she sat in the chair, her thin fingers tensed in her lap. Her emerald gown clung to the luscious curves of her body, and for a moment, Alex had to be honest. MacKenzie or not, the lass had grown into a beautiful woman. He had a hard time keeping his eyes from her. She was still the same wild beauty he had met at the waterfall so many years ago. Back then she was just a young lass, straight as a stick. But now, she had filled out in all the right places and was feminine—very feminine.
    He extended his hand and pulled her to her feet. “And let me introduce my future bride, Lady Sybella MacKenzie.” He lifted Sybella’s hand, and when he brushed a soft kiss on her ivory fingers, the MacKenzie men cheered. It was only a matter of time before Alex’s kin followed.
    “Now let us all enjoy this bountiful feast and welcome the union of our clans. ’ Tis indeed a celebration,” said Alex, his voice laced with pride. He and his future bride sat back down at the table. Damn. The woman had no idea how captivating she was when she smiled.
    The tables were covered with meat, cheeses, and breads, and Aunt Iseabail’s flowery touches were placed in bundles on each of the tables. He had to admit that he was rather pleased. Glengarry looked welcoming for the new lady of the castle. He only hoped Sybella felt the same.
    “Nicely done, MacDonell,” said the MacKenzie, giving him a brief nod.
    Alex returned the same gesture and then leaned in close to his betrothed. “Are ye pleased?”
    Her tankard froze at her lips, and a puzzled look crossed her features. “What?” She hesitated and then quickly added, “Pardon, my laird?”
    When Alex repeated the question and she still held the same look of confusion, he smiled. “Our clans, they are conversing.” She nodded slightly and then took another sip from her tankard. “Since ye are to be my wife on the morrow, ye may call me by my given name, Alexander. My friends call me Alex.”
    “Verra well. If ye insist. The food is verra good, Alexander, ” she said with quiet emphasis.
    So that was the game his future wife wanted to play. He couldn’t help but turn up his smile a notch. “Aye. Cook prepared a fine meal. The meat is actually from your father.”
    “Mmm…I wondered how much cattle I was worth,” Sybella retorted with cold sarcasm.
    He raised his brow. “Pardon?”
    She shook her head and rubbed her temples. “ Tha mo cheann goirt. ” I have a headache.
    “Would ye like to retire to your chamber?”
    Sybella squared her shoulders, her creamy breasts rising over her formfitting gown. “Please accept my apologies. I am nae yet ready to take my leave.”
    As he was about to return to his own meal, he noticed a woman waving to his betrothed. In fact, he believed the woman had been introduced as Mary. When his eyes met Mary’s, she quickly looked to the ground at the same time he felt Sybella stiffen at his side. Not thinking it was his imagination, he continued to look in the woman’s direction several additional times. She was definitely giving his betrothed some type of signal.
    “Do ye think it will rain on the morrow? I wouldnae want mud to dirty the gown I had made for the occasion,” said Sybella in an odd tone.
    His eyes widened in surprise. “I donna think it will rain. I am sure your dress will be fine. Are ye all right?” He couldn’t help but notice the forced words that seemed to escape her lips. It was also hard to